SECURITY cameras have been installed at a Southampton pub just days after bar-room thugs left the landlord in hospital.

CCTV equipment is now in place at The Henry Paget in Shirley, where a large fight broke out on Boxing Day evening.

Landlord Mick Clare was taken to Southampton General Hospital with back injuries after being caught up in the violence, which flared in a packed bar.

The 49-year-old has now been released after treatment and is recovering at home.

During the drama his 40-year-old partner had her hair pulled and was knocked to the floor, where she curled up in a ball to protect herself.

A 22-year-old bar worker also suffered a black eye when a bar stool was thrown at him.

Concerned staff had cancelled a birthday party at the premises just minutes before violence erupted, having picked up "bad vibes" from certain drinkers inside the pub.

Police raced to the Anglesea Road premises following a 999 call but the culprits - believed to include two women - had already fled.

Around 90 people were inside the pub at the time of the incident around 8pm.

Today police renewed an appeal for witnesses to the violence, which left part of the bar area badly damaged.

Det Con Wendy Dowling, of Shirley CID, confirmed a local man and woman had been arrested in connection with the fracas.

Both were released after questioning, pending further police inquiries.

Detectives believe many people have yet to come forward with information which could prove vital.

In particular, police are keen to trace a young man from the Isle of Wight who was visiting the Shirley area over the Christmas period.

Anyone with information is urged to call Shirley CID on 0845 0454545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers 0800 555111.